This week’s ThrowbackThursday is all about the legendary Susan DeMattei—MTB pioneer, Olympic medalist, and lifelong trailblazer. Here’s our Legends & Leaders feature article written by Leigh Donovan, MTB Girl’s Magazine’s Managing Editor.
From carving lines on the world’s biggest racecourses to navigating life’s toughest challenges with grit and grace, she’s always pedaled with purpose. Now 62, she’s still riding strong, proving that true champions leave a legacy far beyond the podium.
In the world of mountain biking, few names carry the weight of both triumph and resilience quite like Susan DeMattei. A pioneer in the sport, she soared to the highest level of competition, earning a silver medal at the 1994 World Championships and etching her name in history as the first American woman to claim an Olympic medal in mountain biking at the 1996 Atlanta Games. But her story is not just one of podiums and racecourses—it’s one of dedication, reinvention, and an unwavering passion for life on and off the bike.
Now 62, she still pedals with purpose, riding to work whenever she can through the rugged beauty of Gunnison, Colorado. A mother to three boys, a devoted wife to fellow mountain biking legend David Wiens, and a steady presence in the emergency room as a surgical nurse, she brings the same grit and heart to caring for others as she once did to conquering the toughest trails. Whether racing against the clock in surgery or providing comfort to the frightened and injured, she remains a beacon of strength, proving that champions are defined not just by their victories but by the lives they touch along the way.
Before Susan became a world-class competitor, she was an 18-year-old navigating one of life’s deepest losses. Losing her mother at such a young age cast a shadow over her world, leaving her feeling unmoored and uncertain of her path. It wasn’t until her second year of college that she found something that sparked a light in the darkness—cycling. At first, it was the road bike, but quickly, it became the mountain bike. And at first, it was just a way to support her then-boyfriend, but soon, it became something far greater. She discovered not only her passion but also her potential. She could pedal with the best, pushing herself beyond what she thought possible.
She was a natural, but she knew talent alone wasn’t enough. Looking back, she wishes she had paid as much attention to her weaknesses as she did to her strengths—had she asked stronger downhill riders for guidance, she might have gained an even greater edge. But she was still young, still learning, and still falling in love with the sport. Racing wasn’t just about winning; it was about the thrill, the adrenaline, and the sheer joy of suffering. While others might shy away from the discomfort, she embraced it. Pain wasn’t a deterrent; it was an invitation to push harder, to dig deeper, to chase the next challenge.
By 1989, she wasn’t just a racer—she was a professional. Negotiating her first contract with Diamond Back, she had the foresight to ask for what she deserved. Most riders had no idea what to request, but as a nurse, she did the math. If she was going to leave her job to race full-time, she should at least make what she had as a nurse. Her boldness paid off—Diamond Back agreed to a $25,000 salary, a groundbreaking move at the time. That decision set the foundation for the rest of her career. She proudly rode for Diamond Back until she retired at the end of 1996, and by then, she was making well over $100,000.
For nearly a decade, she was a force on the cross-country mountain biking circuit, solidifying her place among the top American racers. In 1990, the sport gained official recognition from the UCI, marking a turning point in its legitimacy—though those who had been racing the rugged trails of Marin, California, knew it had been a serious competition long before then. From 1990 to 1996, Susan remained a dominant presence, finishing in the top three for five of those six years on the NORBA circuit. She was relentless, determined, and exactly where she was meant to be—competing at the highest level, pushing her own limits, and proving that she belonged among the best in the world.
Racing wasn’t just about showing up—it was about competing against the best. From the very beginning, she sought out the toughest fields, the hardest races, and the fiercest competitors. The Colorado series was her proving ground, a battleground where the strongest American riders lined up to test their limits. She thrived in that environment. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about measuring herself against the very best and pushing beyond what she thought possible. If the top racers were there, she cared more. She wanted to stand shoulder to shoulder with them—not just to compete, but to truly belong.
